Construction begins on Torrens footbridge
Construction of Adelaide's Torrens Footbridge has begun, but workers will need to be in overdrive to finish the $40million project in time for the Ashes in December.
Workers have started laying the foundations and driving concrete piles into the river bed on both sides of the Torrens.
Once complete, the bridge will connect Adelaide oval to the rest of the Riverbank Precinct, landing just west of the festival centre.
“You’re going to have people interacting throughout the CBD, creating economic activity,” Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
But the construction phase is leaving a footprint on the Torrens.
The river level will have to be lowered during building and rowers have been relocated to West Lakes temporarily.
The South Australian Government wants the project finished in time for the Ashes test on December 5 so fans can cross from the Railway Station to Adelaide Oval.
Fortunately, project director Jim Miller said inclement weather will not affect the build too much.
Although the Opposition supports the project, it is critical of the cost.
“This was promised as a project at $20 million – that has now more than doubled,” Shadow Infrastructure Minister Vickie Chapman said.
Today, the minister pledged the footbridge would not exceed its $40 million price tag.
